Can somebody expain Diatomaceous Earth?

[schmedlap]

"DE causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect's exoskeleton. Its sharp edges are abrasive, speeding up the process. It remains effective as long as it is kept dry and undisturbed" I don't think it does anything for internal parasites because it only works when dry and as we all know the insides of ours chickens dogs horses etc.. are all moist. it does however work well to keep insects at bay, and if you have an ant problem and it hasn't been raining it does prevent ants from getting in your house if you apply it liberally to the outer parameter if your house and all window seals and other areas they could get in and added protection if you sprinkle it all over your lawn close to your house too, though since it is so good at killing insects it is best to keep it away from flowers so you do not harm our bee friends. it does clump together when it gets wet rendering it inert though. it is make up of old fossilized diatoms from lake beds that are ground up into small particles that cuts up the exoskeleton of insects. it is often added to dust bathes or put on to horses to help keep flies away and various purposes like that.

also helps control fleas and ticks. sold as a filter medium for pools too. cost less than if bought in a feed store or some place like that. I add some to the dirt bath area for my ladies. you could use it to give yer critters (dogs and such) a dry bath

 

[Cynthia12]

Tried it. Doesn't work for getting rid of mites.

 

[Cynthia12]

If you give it to chickens, don't buy the pool kind!!

 

[Cynthia12]

 

[Need my chicken fix]

So I'm confused about what diotomatious earth is. I know it prevents worms in chickens but not much else.
Here is my list of questions:

• How do you feed it to the chickens?
• At what age to you feed it to them?
• How much are you supposed to feed them?
• Is it safe to eat the eggs while you are giving them diotomatious earth?

Thanks!

I've read it not good for chickens at all. Does more harm than good. Check out thechickenchick.com. she has tons of information. I've been following her for years and learn something new all the time .

 

[Ashdawne]

So I'm confused about what diotomatious earth is. I know it prevents worms in chickens but not much else.
Here is my list of questions:

• How do you feed it to the chickens?
• At what age to you feed it to them?
• How much are you supposed to feed them?
• Is it safe to eat the eggs while you are giving them diotomatious earth?

Thanks!

 

[Ashdawne]

So I'm confused about what diotomatious earth is. I know it prevents worms in chickens but not much else.
Here is my list of questions:

• How do you feed it to the chickens?
• At what age to you feed it to them?
• How much are you supposed to feed them?
• Is it safe to eat the eggs while you are giving them diotomatious earth?

Thanks!

as far as I know, worm wood finely chopped up in feed is good for worms, Diatomaceous earth is used in their dust bath ... best mixed with wood ash & sand ... to prevent mites & lice, Needs to be kept dry & in a dish / container large enough for chooks to wiggle in & fluff over their whole body .. please use carefully , as is a VERY fine dust & should NOT be inhaled as will irritate the lungs
Dawne

 

[canne50]

So I'm confused about what diotomatious earth is. I know it prevents worms in chickens but not much else.
Here is my list of questions:

• How do you feed it to the chickens?
• At what age to you feed it to them?
• How much are you supposed to feed them?
• Is it safe to eat the eggs while you are giving them diotomatious earth?

Thanks!

Diatomaceous Earth are tiny, desiccated sea creatures which have become a part of our soils. The DE is claimed like limestone becomes powdered lime. A deposit is collected and processed (?) and bagged up for sale.
When it is ingested by mites, fleas, ticks, and other insects the moisture in their digestive tracts is absorbed by the DE and it swells causing the bug to die.
I use it liberally in my coop for regular dusting, in the chicken run, specifically where they dust bathe. I also mix a bit in their laying food to help with internal parasites. I’ve never had problems with mites or lice and the girls are all healthy.
There is some questions whether DM keeps away bugs and parasites, but if it ain’t broken...I’m continuing to use DM.
I put about one to two cups in a forty pound bag of feed.
DM is not dangerous in the small amounts given to the flock, it is not a poison.
It will not harm eggs for eating or throwing!
I hope others will give you more info on the use of DE.
Regards...

 

[Beerlover]

Uses, ratio, etc
Buy Food Grade DE

 

[neo71665]

Riddle me this, if DE is destructive to the hard chitinous exskeleton of parasites how does it not destroy the much more delicate cells of the intestinal system?

It destroys the lungs of birds and is a snake oil product people want to claim does all kinds of crap just like apple cider vinegar. If anybody tells you that you need to use either with chickens take what they say with a grain of salt and go look up what you should really need to do.